Goldeyes shuffle roster, acquire former big-leaguer Sappelt

The Goldeyes made several roster additions prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

Winnipeg landed former MLB outfielder Dave Sappelt, as well as seasoned infielders Tucker Nathans and Eric Aguilera. The Goldeyes also re-signed left-handed pitcher Mitchell Lambson, who had opened the season playing in the Mexican League.

“From the start of training camp until now, we’ve been patiently observing our team and evaluating where we are,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “We’re just looking for something a little bit more offensively, and we’re looking for some guys who can come in, work their at-bats, and grind it out three or four times a night.

Sappelt played in the majors from 2011-13 with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. The Buffalo, N.Y., native hit .251 at the big- league level, and collected hits off all-stars Cliff Lee, Madison Bumgarner, and Aroldis Chapman.

“Dave’s one of those guys who is hungry to still play,” Forney said. “He’s anxious to get here and help us win ball games.”

In 11 seasons of professional baseball, Sappelt is a career .291 hitter, and has amassed more base hits (1,193) than games played (1,073).

Nathans is a former independent baseball success story, having started his career in the Can-Am League. The left-handed hitting infielder captured the Can-Am League’s Rookie of the Year award in 2012, and went on to have his contract purchased by the Baltimore Orioles. Nathans reached the double-A level each of the past three seasons, and earned his first call-up to Triple-A in 2017.

“Tucker is a baseball player,” said Forney. “He plays second. He can play a little bit of third and shortstop if need be. He plays the outfield real well. He’s going to give us a really good at bat from the left side. He’s got a little bit of pop in his bat, too.”

Aguilera recently finished a stint in the Mexican League where he hit .302 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI in just 57 contests for Algodoneros de Union Laguna. Including this season, the Cary, Ill., native has belted double-digit homers in each of his first six professional campaigns.

“Eric is a guy who can give us a little bit of presence in the middle of the lineup, hopefully drive in some runs for us, and shore up that defence on the right side,” said Forney.

Lambson was a key member of the Goldeyes’ 2017 American Association championship team, posting a 3.98 ERA in 39 appearances. Lambson pitched in all three of the Fish’s victories in the Championship Series versus Wichita, holding the Wingnuts scoreless over four and one-third innings in those games.

Tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Jordan Ebert hit a pinch-hit sacrifice fly down the left field line that scored Eric Aguilera with the lead run. Kevin Garcia followed with a two-out, two-run home run to provide insurance.

Victor Capellan struck out two in a scoreless top of the ninth to run his league-leading save total to 12.

Andrew Sohn led off the bottom of the third with a home run to left field. The RailCats scored an unearned run in the fifth to tie the game.

In his return to the club, Mitchell Lambson kept the Goldeyes in the game, allowing the unearned run on five hits in five innings of work. Lambson took a no-decision.

Rookie Carter Johnson worked out of a key jam in the sixth. Gary SouthShore had runners on first and second with no outs before Johnson struck out the next three batters in a row.

WP: McVey (1-0)

LP: Holcombe (1-1)

SV: Capellan (12)

HR: WIN Sohn (1), Garcia (1)

THE SKINNY: Mitchell Lambson and four relievers combined to allow just one run, and the Goldeyes rode a three-run bottom of the eighth to another win over the RailCats.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Winnipeg’s bullpen. Carter Johnson, Zach Hartman, Cameron McVey, and Victor Capellan combined for four shutout innings.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Newcomer Tucker Nathans ranged wide in the hole to his left to take away a groundball hit from Colin Willis in the top of the fourth.

UP NEXT: The three-game set concludes Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Charle Rosario faces Daniel Minor in a matchup of the two right-handers traded for each other last August. The game can be heard on 93.7 FM.

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